Daily (Ainu culture–style) Digital Life Litany for Protection, Direction and Stewardship

Caveat emptier: This post was drafted with help from an AI assistant (Perplexity)— but ideated and edited extensively by the human, Bill Acton. Lafcadio Hearn was my great grandfather's brother. One of the early interpreters of Japan to the West, he lived in Japan the last 14 years of his life, 1890~1904.

Wikipedia

Kamuy* who dwell in river and forest,

Kamuy of the wind that carries our words,

Kamuy of fire that glows in every home,

hear this small prayer from the world of wires.

Once, our messages traveled

on foot, by boat, by smoke in the sky.

Now they ride on invisible waves,

faster than hawk, farther than salmon.

Yet still, a heart is a heart

and a name is a name.

Guard my name in this new village of light.

Do not let thieves or tricksters

steal the signs that stand for me,

or the numbers that open my stores.

When a stranger’s voice appears on my screen,

let my eyes see clearly

whether it is friend, trader, or wolf.

Guide my hands when I sign my mark

to agreements I cannot hold in my fingers.

Let me not promise blindly

what will shame or bind my family.

Kamuy of wisdom, quiet my mind

when pictures and noises

pull me in many directions.

Teach me when to close the lid,

to step outside,

to feel real wind and see real sky,

so my spirit does not forget

the old paths and the living world.

I remember the children and elders

who walk in this digital forest 

with less knowledge.

Help me to walk beside them—

to warn of hidden pits,

to share good tools,

to keep them from harm.

May my words on every screen

be like good footprints in the snow—

clear, honest, leaving no hidden traps.

Kamuy who hear all things,

bless this day’s going online and coming offline,

that they may be part of a life

that honors people, land, and the unseen.

*('Kamuy' is the Ainu word for "spirit,"similar to the Japanese word, "kami," but somewhat broader in scope, more active, interactive)“

AI‑assisted creative work: This litany is an imaginative parody pastiche using generative AI. It imitates the public persona of [Ainu culture] for commentary and devotional reflection. It is not created by or affiliated with [Ainu culture], and should not be taken as his real views or words.”

wracton@gmail.com
williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com